What a wonderful first day of surgery. Day one of our mission was filled with successful surgeries, smiling faces, grateful families, and plenty of happy moments throughout the hospital. There was an incredible sense of excitement and joy as our team came together to care for children and families, many of whom have traveled great distances for the opportunity to receive care. Seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and watching families leave with renewed hope reminded us exactly why we are here.
One of those special patients is 12-year-old Wendy, whose story is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of this mission
At 12 years old, Wendy is already teaching us a little something about determination, hope, and the importance of getting back to the things we love.
This week, Wendy returned to Hospital Hilario Galindo for her second surgery, traveling from a distance with her grandmother. While the approximately one-hour trip to the hospital brought her back for another important procedure, Hospital Hilario Galindo is a blessing to be closer to the family and more accessible for them. It also brought the excitement of seeing a familiar face again — Dr. Apel!
Wendy first met Dr. Apel in February at Obras hospital in Antigua when she underwent surgery to correct radial synostosis in one arm. Radial synostosis is a condition in which her radius and ulna are fused together, preventing pronation (to rotate your arm to have your palm up). Her recovery went well, and now she has returned to have the same procedure on her other side. This time, she knew a little more about what to expect and was especially excited to see Dr. Apel again.
“Wendy had a rare condition. At birth, her forearm bones were fused, twisted together pulling her hands in an awkward position for daily use. She wanted to have both sides “de-twisted” so she could use her hands better. She has had two surgeries with us through Faith in Practice, the left in February 2026 at the Obras, and the right this November at HHG. Throughout my care of her, she has demonstrated herself to be exceptionally brave and she always sparkles with gratitude. “ – Dr. Apel
When we spent time getting to know Wendy, we quickly learned that she is a girl with plenty of things to look forward to. She has one brother and one sister, is preparing to start sixth grade, and loves soccer. While she is hopeful that this second surgery will help her feel even better, what she really wants is to get back out on the field and play! This operation does more than correcting the deformity of the bones, but allows her to be able to function in daily life.
It’s easy to think of a mission trip in terms of surgeries performed, patients treated, and medical needs met. But Wendy reminds us that the impact reaches so much further. It’s about a 12-year-old girl who gets to return to school, play soccer with her friends, and enjoy all the little moments that make childhood special. It’s about a family who makes the journey to seek care and a medical team that gets to welcome a familiar face back and continue walking alongside her.
One of the most meaningful parts of this work is knowing that our relationships with patients don’t have to end when one surgery is complete. Wendy’s return is a beautiful reminder of the trust, continuity, and lasting connections that make this mission so special.
As Wendy recovers from her second surgery, we are cheering her on — not just for a successful recovery, but for a wonderful sixth-grade year, plenty of time with her siblings, and many more soccer games ahead.
